Best Dispersed Camping near Dunbar, WI

Dispersed camping near Dunbar, Wisconsin includes several primitive sites across the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, with options concentrated around lakes and waterways. McCaslin Brook Dispersed site features three campsites along the brook, while other options include Mountain Lakes Road Dispersed, Oconto River sites, and several lake-based locations such as McKinley Lake, Three Johns Lake, Woodbury Lake, Wolf Lake, Bose Lake, Harriet Lake, and Robinson Lake Dispersed sites. Most sites are situated on public forest land with minimal development and basic amenities.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites, with several requiring careful navigation due to washed-out entrances, narrow passages, and pot-holed surfaces. Many campers report difficulty accessing sites in standard vehicles, particularly at Oconto River where 4x4 is recommended. Most dispersed sites include fire rings and some have picnic tables, though amenities are limited. Wilderness toilets are available at select locations including McCaslin Brook, but many sites have no facilities. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days at sites like Robinson Lake Dispersed Campsite. A $5 fee applies at some locations such as McCaslin Brook and Three Johns Lake.

These primitive camping areas provide direct access to lakes, streams, and forest trails. Most sites accommodate tents, while some can fit small campers or RVs under 20 feet. The dispersed nature of these sites offers relative seclusion, though some areas experience UTV and off-road vehicle traffic. Cell service is generally limited or nonexistent. Water access varies by location, with sites like Three Johns Lake being tent-only with a short walk-in requirement. "There are two sites on lake some distance apart. Sand bottom on shore, picnic table and fire ring," noted one visitor about Robinson Lake. Another camper described McCaslin Brook as having "three sites, two small, one large site which you can fit larger camper or RV in."